Flights: Prices include airfare and taxes for the flight from Osaka to Shin Chitose and are accurate as of 1st June 2017.

Flights: Onward departure flight from Shin Chitose at the end of the trip is not included.

Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and it is generally later in Hokkaido than in, for example, Tokyo and Osaka. It is also dependent on weather conditions. Late April to early May are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed.

Trip Combination: Combine the Hokkaido Discovery with Splendours of Japan or Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima for the ultimate Japan experience.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

About this trip

Embrace the timeless tradition and modern spirit of Japan’s iconic sites, from the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the night in a traditional ryokan and contemplate world peace at the final remnants of Hiroshima’s atomic blast.

Trip type:
Mini Stay

Trip code:
HOKK

8 Nights

accommodation

7 Meals

4 buffet breakfasts

1 lunch

2 dinners

On-trip Transport

All transport shown.

Highlights

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

City Tour of Sapporo

See the TV Tower in Sapporo and the colourful flowers in Furano

View the Clock Tower in Sapporo

Visit the Otaru Canal and the herring mansion in Otaru, the Hokusei-no-oka Observatory in Biei, an 'Eco Farm' in Furano, the Beer Museum in Sapporo

This morning transfer to Osaka Itami Airport for your flight to Shin Chitose, the gateway to Hokkaido. Upon arrival meet your Travel Director and transfer to your centrally located hotel in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city. Later join your Travel Director for a walk around Susukino which is the largest entertainment district in Northern Japan and is packed with stores, bars and restaurants. Enjoy an Izakaya (a typical Japanese gastro-pub) dining experience with a taste of Hokkaido's famous fresh seafood.

Start your orientation city tour of Sapporo with views of the Clock Tower; built in 1878 the clock has not missed tolling the hour for nearly 140 years and is considered to be the symbol of the city. In the eastern side of Odori Park, see the 147 metre high Sapporo TV Tower, similar in design to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The park splits Sapporo into north and south and plays host to the city's major events and festivals. Continue your drive to the west of the city to visit Otaru, the old harbour city of Hokkaido with its beautifully preserved canal area and old buildings that date back to its glory days as a major herring centre. At Otaru Canal take a walk with a Local Specialist beneath the old Victorian style gas lamps that line this historic canal and learn all about Otaru before enjoying some free time for shopping and lunch. Stop at the Kitaichi Glass Factory to admire the beautiful and colourful glassware and later visit a large preserved herring mansion dating back to the end of the 19th century where fishermen's tools and living conditions are displayed. During the heyday of herring fishing, large herring mansions were built by wealthy fishermen to process the fish and as a residence for themselves and their employees. The herring fishing industry played a major role in the history of the city and large fortunes were made by the leading fishing enterprises until the 1950s, when the herring stocks dramatically declined and the industry collapsed. Later return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Today leave Sapporo behind and head for central Hokkaido and the town of Biei. With the dramatic mountains of the Daisetsuzan National Park as a backdrop, Biei is an artists and nature lover's paradise. Visit the 'Hokusei-no-oka Observatory' with its pyramid-shaped structure and enjoy the views of the splendid landscape. Continue your journey and head to the city of Furano. It has a somewhat surprisingly continental climate which fosters a burgeoning wine industry, producing award winning cheeses and enabling sprawling fields of lavender to spring to life. In Furano take some free time for shopping and lunch and later visit a local government certified organic 'Eco Farm' which produces wine, juices and various vegetables. Meet the farm owner and take a walk around with him to learn about the work they do whilst sampling some of their produce, a Cultural Insight. Later make a stop at a lavender farm to see the colourful display of flowers usually in bloom around June/July time. Continue to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Hotel

New Furano Prince

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Hotel

New Furano Prince

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Day 3

Day 4

Furano - SapporoDay 4 - Furano - Sapporo

This morning travel back to Sapporo and visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a Cultural Insight. After the tour of the museum enjoy a beer tasting followed by lunch. Later check in to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure and make the most of your last day in Hokkaido perhaps with some shopping or further exploration of the city.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Day 4

Day 5

Depart SapporoDay 5 - Depart Sapporo

Transfer by airport shuttle service to Shin Chitose airport for your onward flight.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 5

Day 6

Takayama - KanazawaDay 6 - Takayama - Kanazawa

This morning travel to Kanazawa to discover the secrets of gold leaf painting during a visit with a Local Specialist. The production of gold leaf started at the end of the 16th century and now 99% of Japan's high quality gold leaf is produced in the area. Next visit the gardens of Kenrokuen, rated as one of the top three most beautiful gardens in Japan and a great place to see Cherry Blossom in the springtime. Take your time to relax and explore the ornate landscapes, temples and ponds. Afterwards take a short walk through the Omicho market to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insiders view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Later visit the Nagamachi District with its old and beautifully preserved samurai houses. Visit the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion with beautiful small gardens belonging to a high-ranked samurai family.

Hotel

Kanazawa Tokyu

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Hotel

Kanazawa Tokyu

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 6

Day 7

Kanazawa - Kyoto (2 Nights)Day 7 - Kanazawa - Kyoto (2 Nights)

This morning leave Kanazawa for Kyoto by Express train. On arrival enjoy a special Be My Guest lunch at a traditional ryokan nestled in the peace and quiet of Mt. Yoshida. The ryokan was built in 1932 by master craftsmen to serve as the second residence of the uncle of the current Japanese Emperor, Akihito. Learn more about local Japanese customs as your hosts welcome you into their beautiful home. Enjoy the pleasures of a truly flavourful and unique dining experience of Kaiseki cuisine, crafted from the very freshest of seasonal delicacies. After lunch visit Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Golden Pavilion. The Kinkakuji history dates back to 1397, when the villa was purchased by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. When Yoshimitsu died, the building was converted into a Zen temple by his son. Later check in to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Hotel

Nikko Princess Kyoto

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Hotel

Nikko Princess Kyoto

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Day 7

Day 8

Kyoto SightseeingDay 8 - Kyoto Sightseeing

This morning visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and see the tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates that snake through the forest up into the mountains. Then head to the Sanjusangen-do Hall, a temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy and afterwards enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. Choose to remain in Gion to explore further or return to the hotel. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner at the Ninja Kyoto restaurant. Venture into the mysterious labyrinth and secret fortress of the Ninjas, the traditional Japanese heroes and enjoy the creative Ninja-style food, a perfect ending to your holiday in Japan.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Day 8

Day 9

Depart Kyoto/Osaka Day 9 - Depart Kyoto/Osaka

Transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, continue to Hiroshima by choosing the 13 day itinerary, Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 9

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/nz/tours/hokkaido-discovery for the latest discounts & departure information.

The Trafalgar Difference

Be My Guest
A kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese ryokan home near Kyoto where you will learn about local customs

Cultural Insights
Sample Japanese Sake during a walking tour in the Edo-style streets of Takayama Old Town. Learn how local artisans make Japanese washi paper in the UNESCO village of Gokayama

The Trafalgar Experience

Simply Authentic

Enjoy

Enjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.

Simply Authentic

Love... Travel

"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO

Simply Authentic

Meet

Meet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.

Simply Authentic

Taste

Travelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.

Simply Authentic

Unwind

Once you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Service rating : We visited a number of different cities and the transportation was well organized and adjusted when necessary.Product : Enjoyed the history and significance of the various locations. Would have enjoyed the optionals more if they were for other interesting locations rather than

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Service:

Service rating : Not that I am more important than you or anyone else, this was my 3rd trip with Trafalgar and I guess I have some credibility because I am a csncer and blood specialist. I have also traveled to all seven coniinents and to some really, really weird places.I thought this trip was a

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great itinerary even though a little rushed. Tour director looked after us well. Optional extras were amazing. however the ones in Switzerland were a little expensiveWe did 2 trafalgar tours back to back. first japan then europe. i felt the Japan tour covered a lot more about the culture and

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Service rating : Tour guide and bus drivers were always kind and polite. Every one was also on time.Product : Everywhere we went was full of Japanese culture and my two Grandchildren had a wonderful time. Memories they will always have.